Other possible long-term consequences ofcalcaneal fractures are decreased ankle motion and walking with a limp due to collapse of the heel bone and loss of length in the leg. Sometimes the fractured bone fails to heal in the proper position. Arthritis, stiffness and pain in the joint frequently develop. Complications of Calcaneal FracturesĬalcaneal fractures can be serious injuries that may produce lifelong problems. Whether the treatment for a calcaneal fracture has been surgical or nonsurgical, physical therapy often plays a key role in regaining strength and restoring function. The surgeon will choose the best surgical approach for the patient. For traumatic fractures, treatment often involves surgery to reconstruct the joint, or in severe cases, to fuse the joint. Crutches may be needed to avoid weightbearing. Sometimes the foot is placed in a cast or cast boot to keep the fractured bone from moving. Compression (wrapping the foot in an elastic bandage or wearing a compression stocking) and elevation (keeping the foot even with or slightly above the heart level) also reduce the swelling. Ice reduces swelling and pain apply a bag of ice covered with a thin towel to the affected area. Rest (staying off the injured foot) is needed to allow the fracture to heal.
The outlook for recovery depends on how severely the calcaneus was crushed at the time of injury.įractures that do not involve the joint (extra-articular fractures) include:
Types of Calcaneal Fracturesįractures of the calcaneus may or may not involve the subtalar and surrounding joints.įractures involving the joints (intra-articular fractures) are the most severe calcaneal fractures and include damage to the cartilage (the connective tissue between two bones). A smaller number of calcaneal fractures are stress fractures, caused by overuse or repetitive stress on the heel bone. Calcaneal fractures can also occur with other types of injuries, such as an ankle sprain. Most calcaneal fractures are the result of a traumatic event-most commonly, falling from a height, such as a ladder, or being in an automobile accident where the heel is crushed against the floorboard. Furthermore, if the fracture involves the joints, there is the potential for long-term consequences, such as arthritis and chronic pain. For this reason, calcaneal fractures are severe injuries. When the outer shell is broken, the bone tends to collapse and become fragmented. The calcaneus is often compared to a hardboiled egg because it has a thin, hard shell on the outside and softer, spongy bone on the inside. This joint is important for normal foot function. The connection between the talus and calcaneus forms the subtalar joint. The calcaneus connects with the talus and cuboid bones.
Fractures of the Calcaneus (Heel Bone Fractures) What Is the Calcaneus?Ĭalcaneal fractures occur on the calcaneus or heel bone, a large bone that forms the foundation of the rear part of the foot. Please enable Javascript in your browser. Javascript is required to view the content on this page.
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